2025.08.2810:33:36UTC+00Ireland Retail Sales Rise 0.8% in July

Retail sales in Ireland rose by 0.8% month-over-month in July 2025, maintaining the momentum seen in the revised data from June. This uptick was primarily fueled by more rapid growth observed in motor trades, which surged by 9.2% compared to 0.8% previously, and in the sector of pharmaceuticals, medical, and cosmetic articles, which expanded by 2.9% from a prior 0.7%. Additionally, several sectors witnessed recoveries, including food, beverages, and tobacco, which increased by 0.9% following a decrease of 1.3%; fuel, which rose by 1.5% after a drop of 1.6%; and clothing, footwear, and textiles, which grew by 1.6% in contrast to a 1.5% decline. Other sectors such as hardware, paints, and glass saw a significant increase of 3.0% compared to a previous decline of 1.6%, and bars increased marginally by 0.2% in contrast to a 3.8% decline. However, there were declines in sales within the furniture and lighting sector, which dropped by 1.0% following a rise of 0.5%, and in books, newspapers, and stationery, which fell by 3.2% compared to a growth of 0.8%. Electrical goods saw a downturn of 1.4% from a previous increase of 3.8%, while other retail categories fell slightly by 0.1% following a 2.9% rise, and non-specialized stores reported a decline of 0.6% as opposed to a 0.4% gain. Annually, retail activity increased by 4.2% in July, achieving the fastest growth rate since January 2024, following a 3.4% rise in June.